Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioğlu paid his first official visit to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on 6-7 September 2015. In the context of his visit, Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu visited the graves of Dr. Fazıl Küçük, leader of the freedom struggle of the Turkish Cypriots and Rauf Raif Denktaş, founding President of TRNC. After laying a wreath and observing a minute of silence, Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu visited Boğaz Cemetery for Martyrs.

Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu was received by the President of TRNC, Mustafa Akıncı. Speaking at the joint press conference held after the meetings, Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu said that views were exchanged on the current and upcoming period of the negotiation process. Having underlined the fact that finding out a just, prompt and permanent solution to the Cyprus problem, which guarantees Turkish Cypriots’ political equality and legal rights was the main aim of both Turkey and TRNC, Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu stated that cooperation between Turkey and TRNC would continue unabated on all fronts, particularly on the settlement of the Cyprus issue.

Asserting that a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem would have positive repercussions on a wider area including the Eastern Mediterranean, Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu reaffirmed the importance Turkey attaches to the safety and security of Turkish Cypriots. Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu pointed out that finding a solution which will guarantee the political equality of both sides in Cyprus whereby Turkish Cypriots will feel secure, in the shortest time possible, is our main expectation.

Speaking at the joint press conference, President Akıncı said that TRNC aims to finalize a bi-zonal and bi-communal federal entity as set out in the Joint Declaration dated 11 February 2014 which could be recognized by two sides, and to submit it for the approval of both communities. Highlighting that negotiation process is conducted in coordination with Turkey, President Akıncı said that he expected the same contribution that Turkey makes to the process from Greece as well.

Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu was then received by Sibel Siber, Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Northern Cyprus. In the meeting, Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu expressed his happiness for his visit and emphasized Turkey’s permanent commitment to stand by TRNC. During his visit to TRNC, Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu was also received by Ömer Kalyoncu, Prime Minister of TRNC and had a meeting with Emine Çolak, Foreign Minister of TRNC.